Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí that have resigned from the Force in the past five years; if she can outline what divisions they left; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38863/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including HR matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
However, I can assure the Deputy that the government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2 billion in Budget 2023.
The below table, provided to me by Garda authorities, details the number of Gardaí who have resigned in the last five years, by region, as of 4 September 2023:
|
Region |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Southern Region |
11 |
<10 |
10 |
14 |
13 |
|
North Western Region |
<10 |
<10 |
13 |
<10 |
13 |
|
Eastern Region |
14 |
<10 |
20 |
18 |
24 |
|
DMR Region |
25 |
30 |
33 |
50 |
38 |
|
Specialist and Support Units |
14 |
17 |
19 |
23 |
25 |
I am advised by the Garda authorities that exit interviews were initiated in An Garda Síochána in April 2023 to develop an understanding of why personnel may decide to leave the organisation, and where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. I understand that exit interviews are carried out by a Chartered Occupational Psychologist working within An Garda Síochána's Human Resources and People Development Section. As too few interviews have taken place to date, there is currently insufficient data to extrapolate definitive themes. The option of a confidential online survey will also be made available shortly which will increase the data collection.
